U.S. Army Pvt. Bryan Villar, center, with his brother, Brandon, founder of the First Pitch Foundation, and their sister, Sarah. Submitted

Written by

J. Michael Rivera

For The Salinas Californian

online

For the 1.64 million military-service members who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001, the return from war often carries difficulties.

Since that time, more than 4,400 troops have been killed in Iraq, more than 1,600 have been killed in Afghanistan and more than 43,000 troops combined have been injured.

From the perspective of one high school student in Salinas, returning service members also suffer a lack of contribution for their sacrifices.

When he isn't throwing the ball as starting quarterback for Palma High School, Brandon Villar, 17, makes a pitch to minor-league baseball teams on behalf of military veterans.

In July 2010, Villar started the First Pitch Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at giving service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan recognition for their hard work by letting them throw the ceremonial opening pitch at minor-league baseball games throughout California.

Villar's older brother, Bryan, 21, an Army private stationed in Afghanistan, served as the inspiration for the First Pitch Foundation.

"When my brother went to Afghanistan, I started thinking of how these soldiers return home but who are never fully appreciated for what they do over there," Villar said. "My dad and I started thinking of how we could show we care and we said, 'Why not connect America's pastime with America's heroes.' "

Villar and his father, Dave Villar, contacted minor-league teams to gain support. "Some teams took a while to reply," Brandon said. "We had to call multiple times, but once we reached someone they loved the idea and gave us lots of opportunities. It has been great."

To date, nine minor-league baseball teams throughout California have offered to have soldiers throw out a first pitch at one of their games, including the San Jose Giants and the Stockton Ports.

The nonprofit has seen a steady uptick of applications since July. In 2010, the nonprofit received almost 20 applications. Seven service members have thrown out a first pitch since the First Pitch Foundation started.

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Applications have come from as far away as St. Louis from service members and their families. The First Pitch Foundation only works with California ball clubs, but the nonprofit plans to expand into other states and work with Major League Baseball teams, said Dave Villar.

"We've received quite a few applications from out of state," said Brandon Villar. "Unfortunately, we haven't gotten that far yet. We're trying to go from minor league baseball to Major League Baseball but it's difficult to get teams to shake loose those corporate dollars and give us opportunities."

For now, the Villars are content about giving more opportunities to soldiers in the Salinas Valley. So far, the First Pitch Foundation hasn't received any applications from Salinas-area military members or their families. But they hope that will change, Dave Villar said.

"Our public doesn't know how to thank anyone who has actually been in a combat situation," Dave Villar said. "We hope, through this, they will have an opportunity to stand up and cheer for them."